The Guzmania bromeliads were named in honor of Anastasio Guzman, an 18th century Spanish naturalist. They range from southern Florida to Brazil.
The great majority are found in the highlands of Colombia and Costa Rica. Although most are epiphytic, a number of the larger ones grow in the ground. Guzmania probably adapted to the ground by necessity. It was possibly easier to learn to grow in the ground than to learn how to climb back up into a tree.
Advertisement
The shiny leaves have smooth edges. The brightly colored, usually red, orange, or yellow bracts last a long time. The flowers are usually white or yellowish.
The Guzmania bromeliad bears beautiful bracts.
Advertisement